Download the A-Z of NCIMB to learn more about the diversity in our collection

The name of our culture collection – the National Collection of Industrial, Food and Marine Bacteria -comes from three collections that were merged to form it. Since then the collection has continued to grow and develop, and today, our name reflects our history rather than the content of the collection today. However, people are often still surprised at the diversity of strains held at NCIMB, and might not think to search our catalogue for eg freshwater or soil strains. We love reading about all the amazing places that the strains …

Celebrating International Microorganism Day 2021

Dr Samantha Law considers the important role of culture collections around the world on International Microorganism Day 17 September is International Microorganisms Day, because on this day in 1683, Antonie van Leeuwenhoek wrote to the Royal Society about his teeth being the home to “many very little animalcules”. The understanding of these ‘animacules’ and their importance to every aspect of our lives has come a long way since then.  Culture collections around the world have played a pivotal role in supporting microbiological research, collaborating, and working together to ensure that …

Download the A-Z of NCIMB for International Microorganism Day 2020

The 17th of September is International Microorganism Day – created to raise awareness of the role that microorganisms have in our lives. Microorganisms represent a huge genetic diversity that has the potential to change the way we live for the better – from biofuel production and green chemistry, to new medicines and tasty food and drinks, microorganisms have so much to offer. Though they are not always the first thing that people think of when discussing biodiversity, microbial diversity is absolutely vital for our future and microorganisms could provide the …